Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
National Security and Defence

Issue 13 - Minutes of Proceedings - March 18, 2013

OTTAWA, Monday, March 18, 2013
(26)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on National Security and Defence met this day at 3:59 p.m., in room 2, Victoria Building, the chair, the Honourable Pamela Wallin, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators, Boisvenu, Dallaire, Day, Lang, Munson, Mitchell, Nolin, Plett and Wallin (9).

In attendance: Holly Porteous and Martin Auger, Analysts, Parliamentary Information and Research Service, Library of Parliament.

Also present: The official reporters of the Senate.

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Wednesday, June 22, 2011, the committee continued its study of Canada's national security and defence policies, practices, circumstances and capabilities. (For complete text of the order of reference, see proceedings of the committee, Issue No. 1.)

WITNESSES:

National Defence:

General Thomas Lawson, Chief of the Defence Staff.

The chair made a statement.

General Lawson made a statement and answered questions.

At 4:59 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 5:03 p.m., the committee resumed.

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday, November 8, 2012, the committee continued its study on harassment in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

WITNESSES:

Royal Canadian Mounted Police:

Craig Callens, Deputy Commissioner, Commanding Officer ``E'' Division (by videoconference);

Inspector Carol Bradley, Team Leader, ``E'' Division, Respectful Workplace Program (by videoc onference);

Simmie Smith, Project Leader, Division Diversity Strategist, RCMP Pacific Region Headquarters, ``E'' Division (by video conference);

Sharon Woodburn, Assistant Commissioner, Director General of the Workforce Programs and Services;

Dennis Watters, Chief Audit and Evaluation Executive;

Daniel Dubeau, Deputy Commissioner, Chief Human Resources Officer;

Roger Brown, Assistant Commissioner, Commanding Officer, ``Depot'' Division (by video conference);

Christine Hudy, Training Programs Evaluation and Support Curriculum Development, ``Depot'' Division (by video conference);

Matthew Venneri, Acting Director, National Performance Programs, Learning and Development;

Sergeant Richard Davis, Workplace Relations Services Directorate;

Superintendent Michael O'Rielly, Director, Legislative Reform Initiative.

The chair made a statement.

Deputy Commissioner Callens and Assistant Commissioner Woodburn each made a statement and, together with Inspector Bradley, Ms. Smith, and Mr. Watters, the witnesses answered questions.

At 6:19 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 6:28 p.m., the committee resumed.

Deputy Commissioner Dubeau made a statement, and together with Assistant Commissioner Brown, Sergeant Davis, Superintendent O'Rielly, Mr. Venneri, and Ms. Hudy, the witnesses answered questions.

At 7:40 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 7:41 p.m., pursuant to rule 12-16(1)(d), the committee resumed in camera to consider a draft agenda (future business).

It was agreed that senators' staff be permitted to remain in the room for today's meeting.

Notwithstanding the order of the committee of March 4, 2013, it was agreed that the chair be authorized to seek the following order of reference on military bases from the Senate:

That the Standing Senate Committee on National Security and Defence be authorized to examine and report on the state of operational readiness of Canadian Forces bases and their importance to the defence of Canada and Canadian interests, and more specifically on the capacity of their infrastructure, personnel, and equipment.

That the Committee present its final report to the Senate no later than December 31, 2014 and that the Committee retain, until March 31, 2015, all powers necessary to publicize its findings.

It was agreed that the committee adopt, as an interim report, the draft report entitled A Study of the New Veterans Charter, prepared by the Subcommittee on Veterans Affairs and that the chair be authorized to table it in the Senate.

At 7:47 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Josée Thérien

Clerk of the Committee